When the weather starts to get warmer, it is a sign that summer time is around the corner. But just as the weather heats up and travel plans get booked, scammers capitalize on the season by performing nefarious schemes to separate victims from their money and other valuables.

Recent McAfee research found that more than one in three Americans have experienced a travel-related cyberthreat, with 41% of those affected losing money, often costing victims over $500. Nothing will ruin your vacation faster than falling for a scam. These top 4 safety tips with some of the latest scams can help to better protect you and your family during the upcoming summer travel season.

Watch out for fake travel agents or event planners: Scammers will make themselves appear to be legitimate travel agents or event planners, collect deposits for the events, then disappear. This can be especially effective with events such as cruises where individuals can pay a deposit and finish paying for the rest of the trip later. By the time the victim realizes something is wrong, the scammer is long gone with the money.

Beware of SIM scams: Purchasing a physical local SIM card for a cell phone is common, especially when traveling internationally and when wishing to avoid roaming charges. Be careful who you purchase SIM cards from, especially when around airports or train stations, as they may have a very limited amount of data, may be close to expiration, or may be stolen or belong to someone else. If your phone supports it, purchasing an eSIM from a major reputable carrier is often a safer bet and can be done before you even start your trip.

Keep your items close: Consider keeping your wallet in a front pocket instead of a back pocket, or keep your purse worn across your body and zipped to discourage pickpockets and thieves. In busy areas, such as train stations or outside of airport secure areas, such as baggage claim areas, where bumping into others is not unusual, pickpockets are more common.

Use digital keys when possible: Criminals have been caught renting a room through a vacation rental service, copying the physical key, then entering the property when the next tenants go out to sightsee. When possible, rent a property that has a digital door code or lock that changes the number for each rental.

Cyber safety goes beyond the workplace, and everyone needs to be equipped with the knowledge to defend themselves against evolving online threats. That is why KnowBe4 introduced a program called Cyber Awareness Program for You (CAPY). It is a new, one-stop, free online hub providing cybersecurity training for the entire family, with key digital safety topics such as phishing and good password hygiene. CAPY is our commitment to making security awareness accessible and appealing for everyone. The summer season reminds us that everyone needs to stay safe, especially with the busy upcoming travel season upon us.

It is easy to let your guard down on vacation, a time when you are meant to be more carefree. However, it is critical to keep these cybersecurity tips top of mind so your travel plans do not get ruined by a scam or other unfortunate circumstance. With this actionable knowledge, travelers can navigate today’s digital landscape securely.